Elbie Fletcher had fond memories of Honus Wagner as his coach during their time together with the Pirates from 1939-1947. In the collection is this letter signed by Wagner in 1935, his third season as coach with Pittsburgh, four years before Fletcher joined the team.
Wagner thanks NL President Ford Frick for a most thoughtful and useful gift. Imagine having a lifetime pass to any game in the National League. That’s what Frick bestowed upon Wagner 18 years after the Flying Dutchman retired. Overjoyed by the gesture Wagner, one of the first five Hall of Fame inductees, sent a handwritten thank-you letter to Frick 12 days later on April 25, 1935.
Wagner dropped the letter at the post office on a Thursday afternoon after the Pirate team for which he served as hitting instructor fell in 6-0 loss at Cincinnati. Future Hall of Famer Waite Hoyt took the loss for Pittsburgh, but Wagner’s thoughts were full of gratitude to Frick for his kind gesture.
Notice Wagner’s flowing handwriting and gracious tone in the letter which is signed “J Honus Wagner Pirate Coach” at the bottom of the hotel letterhead.